Stein given go-ahead for Falmouth restaurant

Rick Stein is set to expand his Cornish seafood empire beyond Padstow, having received local council approval to launch his next venture in Falmouth.

Due to open in March on the town’s Discovery Quay, the 130-cover restaurant will be called Rick Stein’s Fish and Chips.

The lease on the Falmouth site was signed at the end of last year and renovations are currently underway in time for next month’s opening.

The new venue will offer a similar menu to Stein’s existing fish and chip restaurant on Padstow’s quayside, but will also feature an oyster bar in celebration of Falmouth’s local seafood speciality.

The appeal of Falmouth for Stein makes particular sense given the town’s wider development plans, with discussions underway to expand its marina and attract a greater number of cruise ships.

In recent years the growth of University College Falmouth and opening of the National Maritime Museum have helped to bring a younger, more vibrant feel to the former shipbuilding port.

Certainly Stein seems to have saturated the market in Padstow, or Padstein as it is now (un)popularly known by locals.

The small town contains four Stein restaurants, a cookery school, delicatessen and patisserie. Last year Stein also took over The Cornish Arms, a pub just up the road in St Merryn.

Gabriel Savage, 02.02.10